Wonders of Costa Rica

Explore some of the world’s most vibrant and awe-inspiring landscapes on this 11-night group tour of the “Green Jewel of Central America”. This itinerary has been designed to show off the startling diversity of Costa Rica, covering wildlife-rich rainforest, magnificent mountains and postcard-perfect beaches. As well as soaking up the country’s great natural beauty, you’ll spend time in its vibrant capital San José, home to architectural gems, bustling markets and colourful street art. Adventures include a chocolate tour and guided boat excursion through the coastal rainforest of Tortuguero (home to 11 different habitats!) where turtles, sloths, crocodiles and much, much more can be spotted from its lagoons and creeks. All your transfers are taken care of and you’ll have English-speaking tour guides to further enrich your experience.

Day 1: Transfer to Hotel in San José

Day 2: Transfer to Tortuguero

You will journey the remote and exotic region of Tortuguero, on Costa Rica's northern Caribbean Coast. You will stay at an eco-lodge (full-board included), surrounded by rivers, lakes, lush forest and exotic plants.

Day 3: Tortuguero National Park

Embark on a guided boat tour of Tortuguero National Park, one of the most wild-life rich corners of Costa Rica. In the afternoon, you'll explore Tortuguero village with your guide. Though only accessible by bus or water, this is a lively spot with strong Afro-Caribbean roots.

Day 4: Transfer to Arenal

Enjoy some traditional Costa Rican fare at Selva Tropical Restaurant before travelling to the idyllic oasis of Arenal, home to the magnificent Arenal Volcano. A towering 5,358 ft, it is one of the most impressive of Costa Rica's sixty-seven volcanoes.

Day 5: Chocolate Tour

Delve deep into the rich world of Costa Rican chocolate, discovering its history and many uses as well as the cultural importance of the cacao tree to Costa Rica. Explore a plantation and take part in the production process!

Day 6: Transfer from Arenal to Monteverde

You will pass breathtaking scenery on your journey from Arenal to Monteverde, an almost-otherwordly cloud forest high up in the mountains, around 4,600 ft. above sea level.

Day 7: Monteverde

Spend the day at leisure, experiencing the magic of Monteverde. Enjoy some birdwatching (Monteverde is one of the best places to see the Resplendent Queztal, a rare bird of paradise), visit the butterfly garden or walk amongst the tree tops on a canopy tour.

Day 8: Transfer from Monteverde to Tamarindo

You will travel to the dreamy seaside town of Tamarindo, on Costa Rica's north Pacific coast, for some well-deserved beach time. Laze on the golden sands and enjoy spectacular sunsets.

Day 9: Tamarindo

Enjoy a day at leisure in paradise. Take advantage of your hotel's facilities, go for a stroll or simply sit back and observe the local wildlife. Adventurous types can take advantage of the world-class surfing opportunities here.

Day 10: Transfer from Tamarindo to San José

You will transfer back to San José for your final night in Costa Rica.

Day 11: Depart from Costa Rica

You will transfer to the airport (international flights not included). It's time to say "hasta luego" to this very special corner of the world.

Each hotel in your tour has been selected for its high service standards and quality facilities, including picturesque grounds, superb on-site restaurants and well-equipped guestrooms. You can curl up after a busy day of sightseeing or take advantage of your hotel’s superb location and explore the latest stop on your itinerary.

You’ll stay in a sleek city hotel in Costa Rica’s capital as well as a rainforest lodge shared by monkeys, butterflies and parrots. A family-owned retreat set in the shadow of Arenal Volcano is followed by a cosy mountain inn nestled amongst 23-acres of forest reserve. Before returning to San José, you’ll spend two nights in laidback beach resort in the surf town of Tamarindo.

Accommodation in hotels is subject to availability. If a listed hotel is fully booked, alternate accommodation will be booked within the same hotel category without surcharge/reduction. If no hotel in same category available, we reserve the right to apply a surcharge for any higher category or a reduction for any lower category.

San José: Parque del Lago Boutique Hotel

Just twenty minutes from the international airport and 10 minutes from downtown San José, Parque del Lago provides a comfortable and convenient first stop on your itinerary. Its 40 rooms feature contemporary design and high-quality amenities and furnishings, including air-conditioning, cable TV and coffee-making machines. The onsite restaurant serves Costa Rican and international breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. The hotels sits next to the city’s large central park. Culture vultures will be delighted to learn it’s just a 4-minute walk to the Museum of Costa Rican Art.

Tortuguero: Laguna Lodge

Perched on a narrow peninsula between Laguna Tortuguero and the Caribbean Sea, this secluded eco-lodge is accessible only by boat. Its 106 rooms, swimming pool, sun terrace and open-air restaurant sit amongst 6 acres of jungle-like gardens, providing the opportunity to immerse yourself in this rich environment. Rooms are simple and in-keeping with the natural feel of the lodge. They come equipped with a fan for comfort and a private bathroom with shower. You can sit and watch the local wildlife from your private terrace.

Arenal: La Pradera

Boasting tropical grounds, a luxurious jacuzzi, an outdoor swimming pool and spectacular views of Arenal Volcano, this family-owned hotel provides a relaxing stay. Guestrooms are brightly-painted bungalows equipped with air-conditioning, satellite televisions and private terraces with volcano views. There is an onsite restaurant serving both national and international food and well-stocked bar for socialising.

Monteverde: Hotel El Bosque

Translating as “The Forest”, El Bosque is nestled amongst 23-acres of private forest reserve with beautiful gardens and hiking trails. There is an Italian restaurant onsite and a coffee shop, bakery, Argentinian restaurant and food shop all sit within walking distance. Its 28 rooms are spacious and comfortable.

Tamarindo: Pueblo Dorado

Overflowing with lush tropical flora, brightly-coloured murals and local wildlife, Pueblo Dorado is the perfect spot to get into the Costa Rican “pura vida” (pure life) mindset. It sits just one-minute away from one of the country’s best beaches and boasts its own outdoor swimming pool. The bright rooms are air conditioned and come equipped with cable television and in-room safes.